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What Has Happened To Mumbai

The recent events in Mumbai are shattering. And closure of chemist shops at 6 p.m is another nail in the coffin.

Mumbai is dead. Sadly, try no one is caring to revive it. Infra-structurally it was always a poor one, allergist but it more than made up that paucity by a liveliness, approved an electrifying energy and yes its indomitable spirit – which was not only about displaying resilience in times of trouble. It was a live breathing, energetic, vibrant and pulsating city.

It attracted a lot of professionals. Like me. And why not? I am single. Often work late. And have a huge distance to cover to reach home But I always knew that it didn’t matter: I could leave office late, pick vegetables and fruits on the way, buy the necessary medicines (if required), and then go out for a late dinner.

Now all that is over.

-There are no vegetable and fruit vendors. Thanks to the hawker drive.

-Chemists close at 6p.m. Thats the time I am still in office

-The night life is dead. And I just don’t mean the pubs. But those sasta sundar and tikau roadside stuff. All gone. Not a single juice, wada-pav or dosa chap on the streets.

So does the Mumbai admin expect me to always shop in a Star Bazaar or Big Bazaar and eat only at expensive restaurants?

All that remains of Mumbai is its horrific traffic on nightmarish roads, and an eerie quietness in the markets.